Question Number: 26775

Law 1- The Field 9/16/2012

Clive peters of London, England asks...

I would like to correct the Referee on a previous answer he has given. On the line (the 18 yard line) is NOT in the goal area. The Rules if Football state, Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area. The last sentence clearly states this.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ref Clive, the answer you quoted regarded the penalty area, not the goal area. On the line, 'the 18', is part of the penalty area.

Law 1 says, 'The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries.'

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Common vernacular refers to the '18' which is the measurement in yards from the goal line to the top of the penalty area. There was no reference in the previous question to the '6' which would have been the goal area, the top line of which is 6 yds from the goal line.

If an offense occurs on the penalty area line, the offense has occurred in the penalty area, according to Law 1, which Ref Voshol quoted above. If an offense happens on the goal area line, it happened in the goal area, but since that is also within the penalty area, one could, in most instances say that was also in the penalty area.

We understand that sometimes it is difficult to keep terms and areas separated.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Clive The Laws of the Game is precise in the terminology it uses to describe parts of the field of play. Your question correctly describes the goal area. The use of the vernacular by those in soccer leads to terms like the six yard box, keeper's area, the penalty box, the box, the 18 etc. The important part it is that the terms are understood by all and we do our best to use the proper terms in answers.

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